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A plate of creamy garlic butter pasta garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, served on a rustic wooden table.

Garlic Butter Pasta

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Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and creamy Italian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining al dente pasta with rich butter, fragrant garlic, and savory Parmesan cheese, this easy-to-make recipe offers a comforting meal with minimal effort. Perfect for those craving a simple yet satisfying pasta experience, it can be customized with herbs, spices, or protein to suit your taste.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2-4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
  • Red chili flakes (for a spicy kick, optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If necessary, stir in reserved pasta water to achieve a silky sauce.
  4. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped herbs if desired.
  5. Serve immediately for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use high-quality butter and fresh garlic for best flavor.
  • Cook your pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water—it contains starch that helps thicken and bind the sauce.
  • You can add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 430 Kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg